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EMERSYN ARRIVES (Part II)

Yes, it was decided by the young couple that before they could venture into the village of humans and begin their work caring for the animals that lived there, they would have the ritual of union. This is somewhat like the marriage ceremony in the world of the humans, but it’s simpler, yet it is magical and wondrous. One also never knows what is going to happen at this ritual.

All of the fairies, young and old, gathered to plan the ritual, which was going to take place when the moon was full. It just so happens that the moon was going to be full the very next evening. Moon Fall and Star Gazer happily disappeared into the forest to write their oaths to one another and make plans for their move. Oh, it was an exciting afternoon and evening for all in the Forest of Lang. There had not been a ritual of union for 173 fairy years. Most of the elder fairies made busy with creating a gossamer gown for Moon Fall, while the younger fairies were sent to gather Lilies of The Valley for her wreath. The adult fairies were pulling out age-old recipes of herbal spirits and dandelion treats. The male fairies were tasked with stringing multi-colored crystals gathered from the Stream of Greenwood, for necklaces and rings to be presented to the young couple upon taking their oaths of union. However, the oldest of the elder fairies, was fashioning – what would likely be the most treasured gift of all – a basket woven of the most valued wheat grass in the forest…golden crib and locket grass; the strongest grass ever known. Why, baskets that held volumes of gold were made of this special grass. It was strong and held fast, even when carrying a very heavy treasure. THIS basket would, indeed, carry a valued treasure.

Once all the tasks had been completed and the elder fairies bestowed their approval upon the gown, the jewelry, the drink and food (no one was to see the basket, nor did the oldest elder fairy require or even consider approval), all fairies, young and old, proceeded to rest, for the next day would bring so much excitement!

Meanwhile, Moon Fall and Star Gazer were sitting around a tall oak tree, with their backs leaning against it, as they were composing their oaths. Every so often, Moon Fall would stop and gaze up into the sunbeams peeking through the branches and she would smile. Secretly, she wanted to let loose with a primal scream of pure joy, but feared it would frighten Star Gazer so much he would take flight and never return. The happiness she felt was literally making her heart beat quickly, more so than usual. She found she could barely walk anymore; every other step was taken on air, not the ground. Why, even at times, she had to take a deep breath and fill her lungs with air so that she would be more grounded. Star Gazer was deliriously happy, but being the planner that he was, he also was making plans for them for their new life. It was important to him that they be able to pursue their passion of caring for animals and the thought of giving care to animals that were deprived of it, was an honor for him and for his Love.

Before long, the sun had disappeared and the moon was rising high in the night sky. Not quite a full moon, but large enough to cast light upon the busy fairies as they finished their tasks and prepared to sleep. Moon Fall and Star Gazer had finished their oaths and each departed to spend one last night with their families. Star Gazer gently kissed her. She looked up at him and threw her arms around his neck and whispered, “This time tomorrow, we shall be making our pledges to one another and then…” Star Gazer stepped back and laughed out loud saying, “Yes, we will be three!”

The next morning, the sun had not even risen and the forest was busy with activity! The clearing in the forest was being prepared for the ceremony. Flower petals were being gathered and placed into the special baskets for the flower fairies to prepare the way for the bride to walk the aisle. Only special flower petals were used and so it was rather time-consuming finding them, but the search yielded lovely ones and the fairies had great fun while looking.

Now, behind the scene, so to speak, the wood nymphs had their own tasks to complete. These were tasks that were carried out with great love and joy, for they were in charge of preparing and guarding the special tree in that clearing (circle). The tree was hundreds of years old and bore its age with great beauty and grace. The long limbs and branches of the tree were strong, yet feminine and seemed to sway in the breeze, even if there wasn’t a breeze. The colors of green in the leaves were many; light, medium and dark and every shade of green in-between. The wood of the trunk glistened as if it was made of marble and gold. This grand tree was actually an Angel Oak, which towered over most of the forest trees. There was not another tree like this one for hundreds of miles and so the legend in the Forest of Lang was that this oak tree was sent to this particular forest to watch over the forest and its inhabitants. But the Angel Tree did even more for the forest, which you’ll learn about soon enough.

Meanwhile, Moon Fall was bathing in the Golden Falls of the forest, with the animals standing by as guards and assistants to the bride-to-be. Robins and blue birds held her robe for her as she emerged from the pool at the foot of the falls. Crows carried the towel for her hair and swept it round and round like a turban on her head. “Oh, thank you all so very much for everything.” Moon Fall was smiling as she made her way to her little home to get ready for the ceremony. “I’m so excited and happy! This is the most wonderful day of my life,” she said. All the birds chirped their happiness. Fairies were beginning to arrive to ready her for the wedding.

Star Gazer had been ready for hours! He was walking through the forest and his heart was full of love for Moon Fall and he was looking forward to their life together – married and doing what they loved: caring for animals. Star Gazer’s mind was racing through a number of thoughts, but the main thought that kept coming was that of Moon Gazer, the magical and wonderful fairy he has loved for so long. At last, they would be wed to one another. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn’t hear the cracking of dry leaves behind him or the whispering in the trees; for the creatures of the forest had been instructed to keep an eye on him and make sure he was at the ceremony on time. Young fairies were flying through the trees, somewhat silently – but not quite – watching Star Gazer’s every move to ensure he was safe and back home on time.

The time for the wedding was drawing near. Moon Fall was dressed in an exquisite gown of gossamer, lace and silk. The special jewels and crystals adorned her dark hair and her bouquet was made up of Sunflowers, Daisies, White Morning Glories, and Baby’s Breath, with just a touch of Queen Anne’s Lace. Long tendrils of silk fell from the bouquet, with little pearls sewn into the silken ribbons. The Elder Fairies stood back and just sighed with love for her. Thoughts of her as a wee baby flew through their minds and like a film; photos of her throughout the years were dancing about. Each Elder Fairy took their turn whispering something into her ear and placing a small “something” in her palms, which she then placed into the lace purse on her right wrist. It was tradition within the fairy kingdom that when a young fairy marries, each of the Elder Fairies presents her with a special gem and/or crystal which serves a special purpose in the life of the bride: from health to goodness to protection. These were treasures that fairies passed on throughout the generations.

“Well, dearies! It is time to begin making our way to the clearing.” The eldest of the Elder Fairies took her place beside Moon Fall, to guide her toward her future.

Back in the circle and in the branches of the Angel Oak, the wood nymphs had checked everything in, around and below the oak one more time, and then descended for a fast break before the ceremony began. All was ready; even more so than anyone knew…for an unseen and uninvited guest was approaching the side of the Angel Oak that was against the dense forest, the side that no one saw while standing in the clearing. This uninvited guest made its way up the lower trunk of the oak and found a place to settle in, just inside a knot hole. The brown and gold of the guest matched the trunk of Angel Oak so no one would have even noticed anyone or anything not part of the oak.

Now, everything was ready…

Anyway, it was decided by the Elder Fairy and her council that Moon Fall and Star Gazer would be the caretakers of the animals in the village. They also decided that before they could embark upon this important mission, their union must be sealed. I didn’t tell you before that when the union is sealed at the union ritual…remember the tree in the circle with the couple? Once the two fairies are spiritually and magically united, this special tree delivers to them a baby fairy! Yes! It is true!